Coastal Best Available Technology

Under Section 2102, it is the responsibility of the operator to identify pipelines that fall under the requirements of this Article. The definition of "pipeline" can be found in GC 51010.5.

Upon request, the OSFM will provide each operator with a list of regulated pipelines. Using this list, operators may choose to submit a list of pipelines they believe are subject to CBAT regulations and a separate list of pipelines they believe are not. While this submission is not mandatory, it helps ensure that operators have identified all pipelines subject to CBAT requirements.

Operators can use Form 2102, although its use is optional, to provide the necessary information to satisfy Section 2102. Alternatively, operators may submit the lists in a different format.

All submissions should be sent to the Pipeline Notification email account (pipelinenotification@fire.ca.gov) with the subject line starting with [CBAT] Title. For example, the subject line may be "[CBAT] Form 2102 from Fire Pipeline Company".

The OSFM will acknowledge the receipt of CBAT regulated and unregulated pipelines from the operators.

Upon completion of step 1, operators and the OSFM will have a finalized list of CBAT regulated pipelines. Operators must then classify each of these pipelines into one of the following five categories:

• Group 1: Section 2103 Pipeline (Exemption for Pipelines Located Outside the Coastal Zone)
• Group 2: Section 2104 Pipeline (Deferral for Pipelines with Existing Best Available Technology)
• Group 3: Section 2104.OOS Pipeline (Deferral for Out-of-Service Pipelines)
• Group 4: Section 2113 Pipeline (Retrofit with Best Available Technology)
• Group 5: Section 2113.OOS Pipeline (Retrofit with Best Available Technology)

Specific guidelines and optional forms (such as PSD-2103, PSD-2104, PSD-2104.OOS, PSD-2113, and PSD-2113.OOS) are available for operators to submit the necessary information to satisfy each respective section.

Within 60 days of accepting the risk analysis, operators must submit a detailed supplemental implementation plan to the OSFM. Upon approval, operators are expected to complete the retrofit of pipelines by April 1, 2023, for all groups except low-stress crude oil pipelines. For low-stress crude oil pipelines, the retrofit must be completed by July 1, 2024.

The OSFM will notify operators within 90 days of whether their risk analysis has been accepted or denied.

To ensure the monitoring and progress of pipeline operator's implementation plans, the OSFM has established two critical teams:

Construction Team: After the OSFM approves the implementation plans for Section 2113 pipelines, the Construction Team will receive the preliminary implementation plan, risk analysis, and detailed supplemental implementation plan from operators. They will work closely with operators to coordinate and monitor the retrofitting of pipelines. The deadline for completing the retrofit of existing pipelines, except for low-stress crude oil pipelines, is April 1, 2023. For low-stress crude oil pipelines, the deadline is July 1, 2024.

Change of Status Team: If the OSFM approves the implementation plan for Section 2113.OOS pipelines, the Change of Status Team will be responsible for monitoring and reviewing the purging of pipelines. They will ensure that out-of-service or abandoned pipelines subject to CBAT regulation are properly purged. The deadline for purging these pipelines, except for low-stress crude oil pipelines, is April 1, 2023. For low-stress crude oil pipelines, the deadline is July 1, 2024.

Both teams work closely with operators to ensure compliance with the CBAT regulations and facilitate the smooth implementation of the necessary measures.